Understanding the means of agriculture can strengthen and expand classroom learning through exploration, creativity, adaptability, and added awareness of everyday life skills.

That's why the University of Illinois Extension is encouraging K-12 McLean County educators to add agriculture to their classrooms. This exclusive grant opportunity is designed to increase student awareness and understanding of agriculture as it plays a large role in our lives and economy every day.

Since 2002, University of Illinois Extension and the family of retired Illinois Senator John Maitland have sponsored a grant in his honor. Senator Maitland was a McLean County farmer and understood the importance of educating youth on agriculture and its impact locally, nationally, and globally. The family of Senator John Maitland continues to take a personal and vested interest in providing an opportunity for teachers to purchase supplies, field trips and other resources that
integrate agriculture-related lessons in their curriculum to provide youth with creative and hands-on learning experiences promoting agriculture.

The Maitland Agricultural Awareness Grant can yield up to $1,000 for a teacher's agriculture-related lesson. Applications for the Maitland grant are due by Monday, November 28.

Questions can be directed by email to Laura Holland at laurarh3@illinois.edu or by contacting staff at the McLean County Extension Office at 309-663-8306. The John Maitland Agricultural Awareness Grant for the 2022-2023 school year is available to apply at go.illinois.edu.